Solving algebraic equations with negative exponents

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving algebraic equations involving negative exponents. The first equation, x-2 = 1/9, can be solved by recognizing that x-2 equals 1/(x2), leading to the equation x2 = 9, which results in x = ±3. The second equation, x-2 - 13x-1 + 36 = 0, can be simplified by multiplying through by x2, transforming it into a standard quadratic equation: 1 - 13x + 36x2 = 0, which can be solved using the quadratic formula.

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solve for x: x^-2 = 1/9



solve for x: x^-2 - 13x^-1 +36 = 0



I don't understand how to solve either equations.
 
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Remember that x^{-a}=\frac{1}{x^a} so try multiplying through by x2 in both.
 

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